Renault T - complete stuffing
Text: Alexander TROKHACHEV
Photo: Valery PISANOV
Frappa trailer: exclusive product!
France is an amazing country, even if you travel through it not as a tourist, but as a truck driver driving a 40-ton road train. And it doesn’t matter that in some places the roads are narrow, like the eye of a needle, and behind you is an exclusive trailer, from which you need to blow off specks of dust. The main thing is confidence in the technology, where the chrome diamond is a sign of quality. And it’s just great to have a partner nearby - an experienced factory test driver, warning of dangers in advance.
According to the nameplate on the Frappa trailer, it was manufactured in France in April 2014. It has an unladen weight of 8.9 tons and a permissible gross weight of 38.0 tons. The length of the semi-trailer reaches 14.04 m, the width and height are the maximum permitted 2.6 and 4.0 m, respectively. With such dimensions, the useful loading area is 36.5 square meters. m. Trailers are loaded with ballast metal blanks.
Renault Trucks has ordered three exclusive Frappa trailers with a fiberglass body kit to improve aerodynamics. The idea is good and the trailer is now undergoing lengthy testing. The fight for fuel economy in Europe is in full swing. After the introduction of Euro 6 environmental standards, technology developers are looking for additional ways to save money. Spoilers have already taken root on tractors and perhaps in the near future they will become an integral attribute for trailed vehicles.
Frappa trailers with fiberglass lower parts. The rubber bumpers in the rear are quick-release, and the rear gate opens after unlocking the mechanical lock with a recessed cylinder.
440th
The younger brother in the line of French highway vehicles, the T440 Comfort is easy to distinguish from the top version of the flagship by its radiator trim with a lowered “clip”. The height of the cabin at the top of the roof is 3607 mm, and at the edge of the spoiler above it is 3892 mm. And although the permissible limit of 4000 mm has not been fully selected, the driving position is comfortable, and visibility is what you need!
The wheelbase of the tractor with a length of 5990 mm is the standard 3800 mm, and for maintaining directional stability this is better than 3600 mm, like most cars of the same class. The French calculated the turning radius to the millimeter: 6856 mm “from curb to curb” or 7550 mm according to the outer dimensions. Seeing what bottlenecks we have to overcome on public roads, such scrupulousness does not look funny.
Under certain conditions, the T440 Comfort model may become a bestseller for Renault Trucks in Russia. Notice how much it has grown compared to its predecessor Renault Premium
The front overhang of 1365 mm is short, which is really appreciated when maneuvering and changing lanes: it is easier to control the dimensions, the area of blind spots is smaller. The rear overhang is tiny - just 825 mm, which is very good for working with semi-trailers. By the way, the Jost saddle with a height of 1199 mm is placed so that its center is 675 mm away from the driving axle of the car and 1913 mm from the “back of the head” of the cab.
The overall width of the “head” remained the same - 2534 mm, but there was more space inside. Engineers have reduced the thickness of the door trims, and additional centimeters and millimeters have appeared at the level of the belt line. Personally, I didn’t measure them, but I appreciated the increase at the level of sensations: the useful space of the interior really seems increased!
Few people remember about the wheel track in the modern world, but this indicator also contributes to the stable (and therefore safe) movement of the Renault Trucks T440 Comfort. In our case, this parameter is 2043 mm. This is not bad for a vehicle with a gross weight of 19 tons, aimed at working as part of a 44-ton road train. Good-quality Michelin XLine Energy Z/D tires measuring 315/70 R22.5 also give confidence on the road.
The flagship Renault T520 is easy to distinguish due to the expressive “clip” of the radiator grille with a protruding trapezoid.
Digital era
We are accustomed to the fact that the modern world is a world of digital technologies, electronic devices, television and everything that surrounds us. That’s all true, but it’s also tied to the human brain. A truck driver of the 21st century must keep in mind a large amount of digital information: permissible axle load, weight of transported cargo, tire pressure, minimum ground clearance, etc. And without this - nothing!
In our case, the load capacity of the T440 tractor is 11285 kg. The mass of the “head” is distributed in the proportion of 5585 kg to the front axle and 2130 kg to the rear axle. The permissible load is set at 7500 kg for the steered axle and 13000 kg for the drive axle. It is equally important to remember about ground clearance. Once upon a time, truck clearance was measured under the drive axle. On the T440 it is 211 mm, but the distance from road level to the front bumper with front underrun protection is even shorter - only 200 mm. Although for European autobahns this is quite enough.
You need to keep in mind the volume of the fuel tank installed on the right (450 l) and the AdBlue container under the cab (44 l). You don’t have to remember the 12-liter capacity of the glass washer reservoir – it’s not that important. It is much more important to speak languages: the on-board computer provides information in French and English, but only Spanish is available as an option on the test tractor. I note that on tractors for the Russian market, the menu is Russified.
The monochrome display with orange control characters is not overloaded with unnecessary information. Real fuel consumption figures: 25.8 l/100 k at an average speed of 71 km/h.
Functionality and useful options
Among the additional equipment installed on board the T440, two electronic devices immediately catch the eye: the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). There is also an axle load indicator, preparation for the installation of Toll Collect toll payment equipment, Optifuel Infomax software, and a Fleet Management System (FMS) fleet monitoring system. Of the entire list, the most useful for me personally are ACC and Toll Collect.
The 440th “head” has two sleeping bunks. The lower one is installed at a height of 460 mm above the floor level and provides a distance of 720 mm to the upper shelf. That, in turn, provides a modest 538 mm to the ceiling. The first tier couch has a width of 670 mm in the foot area (behind the driver's seat) and 790 mm along the remaining length of 2000 mm. The second tier sleeper has dimensions of 686x1887 mm. At the same time, useful areas remain in stock, since the internal width of the cabin is 2260 mm.
The work of Renault Trucks specialists is noticeable in the details. For example, in installing a mechanical door lock, it is now not easy for an attacker to enter the cabin from the outside. The crew now has convenient cup holders and cup holders, pockets and recesses at their disposal. I don’t rule out that some of them I simply didn’t notice before. In almost all European trucks of top brands, maximum attention is paid to the level of elaboration of these smallest details. It is these little things that make up the overall puzzle of the final impression of the car.
Ground clearance under the rear axle is 211 mm.
Premium ride comfort
Ride comfort is ensured by good sound insulation. The noise level does not exceed 80 decibels. The cabin's four-point air suspension copes well with cornering accelerations, effectively dampening vibrations also during acceleration and braking. In this way it is similar to the Volvo Trucks cab suspension. The rear axle ratio i=2.64 has been successfully selected, which is reflected in moderate fuel consumption. I don’t know how optimal the steering ratio is (20:1), but changing the direction of the “head” is easy and comfortable.
The AT2412F automatic transmission with a maximum torque of 2400 Nm has 12 forward gears and three reverse gears. It is good not only on the highway, but also in the city and at a truck stop. This, of course, is not the latest generation Volvo I-Shift, but it works perfectly and without any complaints. The real boon is the stock Optibrake+ retarder, which produces 382 kW at 2300 rpm. An alternative to it can be another assistant - the Voith hydraulic retarder (450 kW, 3250 Nm). In terms of efficiency, I would compare it with the Volvo Engine Brake, its benefits in ensuring safe deceleration are so significant.
All this goes well with the 12.8-liter DTI 13 engine with 440 hp. at 1400-1800 rpm with a maximum torque of 2200 Nm at 900-1400 rpm. And there is only one complaint about the engine: it is Euro-6 level, which is not relevant for Russia yet...
Five hundred and twentieth
Handsome 520, even in white it looks great
The flagship Renault T520 is easy to distinguish due to the expressive “clip” of the radiator grille with a protruding trapezoid. The cabin is 245 mm higher than the standard one and is 3852 mm at the top, and with a spoiler - 3941 mm (+49 mm). There are four entrance steps to the cabin - one more than the T440. The remaining parameters are the same as a carbon copy, only the load capacity is slightly less (10958 kg), and the distribution of masses along the axles is different: 5815 kg on the front axle and 2227 kg on the rear. With the same gearbox, the top version uses the same engine, but with increased power (520 hp at 1430-1800 rpm) and with a peak torque of 2550 Nm in the range of 1100-1430 rpm.
The comfortable 520th “head” is equipped with only one berth, installed at a level of 610 mm above the floor surface - this is 150 mm higher than on the 440th. The distance to the ceiling has increased by 1494 mm, but the bed itself is exactly the same. The maximum internal height on a level field is 2053 mm. The equipment here is identical, only the fuel tanks are larger: a 405-liter fuel tank and a 100-liter AdBlue tank.
Climbing those extra steps is forgiven for the ability to leave muddy shoes outside the cabin on the top step, and for the higher seating position with better visibility. Here you remember that you are in the cabin of the “Truck of the Year 2015” and you really feel like you’re on a throne—the king of the roads. The herd of 520 “horses” also instills confidence. Currently, this is the maximum power potential for diamond trucks, but it is sufficient for long-haul transportation. French autobahns are a song. Even on long climbs, the transmission rarely falls into lower gears.
At the end of the test day, I felt a great sense of satisfaction from covering hundreds of kilometers of French roads. The T440 and T520 engines did not fail anywhere, the gearboxes did not dull, all standard devices worked flawlessly. No complaints about the brakes, not a shadow of reproach about the handling. And most importantly, there is almost no physical fatigue when leaving the cabin after a hard day!
Still, we must pay tribute: French specialists have made the Renault Trucks T-series even more perfect. And, looking at the abundance of these cars on the roads of France, I can’t understand why there are so few of them in Russia? After all, trucks with chrome diamonds really deserve to be in demand. If you still have doubts, I recommend trying it: perhaps this is exactly what you are looking for!
On the test version of the tractor, for the sake of fuel efficiency, the external sun visor was abandoned. This makes the resemblance to Magnum even more noticeable.
French renovation on the Autobahn. Instead of the usual limits of up to 40, here the permitted speed is 90, which contributes to greater capacity in the narrow section.
Third life behind the wheel. Opinion of the driver of a Renault T tractor with a Turkish Koluman semi-trailer
“A third life behind the wheel, three centuries without sleep, floods our hearts with gray rain,” sings Yuri Shevchuk. And we haven’t discussed the topic of heavy-duty transport for a long time, so we turned to the Zeynela company, which found us a driver from a Brest company to give us an opinion on the Renault T tractor with the Turkish Koluman semi-trailer.
“We are driven around the world by wind and rock. Golden foliage, blazing with fire, along with fidelity, rushes to the end. Only night black soil. Chernozem... Yes, there is a star in the sky.”
This tractor was driven all over the world, we couldn’t even catch it for a long time, it was the first in Belarus to which a Turkish Koluman trailer was attached. We recently wrote that the Koluman company has entered our market; our official distributor Zeynela is selling equipment. It's time to get the first reviews, so driver Alexander will talk about the Renault T tractor and the Turkish Koluman trailer:
“Our company has 15 trucks, mostly all new or some used. Models Renault T and DAF XF 105. My tractor is a 2022 model, we took it new, now it has a mileage of 140 thousand kilometers. He travels 7-8 thousand kilometers a month. Load capacity - 20 tons, total weight - 38 tons, Euro-6. The fact that it is new is good - nothing breaks. You just drive - that's all.
The power of the 13-liter engine is 440 horsepower, it is diesel with urea. This is not a new engine, it was removed from the Renault Magnum. Consumption when empty is 25 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway. If you load 20 tons, you will get 32-33 liters per “hundred”. Not to say that it is particularly economical. The DAF 105, which the company has, has 8 cylinders and 460 horsepower - it is more powerful and at the same time more economical: 27 liters per 100 kilometers. That's it, there were no breakdowns. Only the consumables were changed. Renault T is still under warranty and on lease.
But the Renault T has a large cabin - this is a plus. As for the equipment and electronics, it is even “over-equipped”. There is cruise control, air conditioning, a refrigerator, track and intersection sensors. The lane keeping system emits a signal when crossing a lane marking, but does not control the steering wheel. There is a warning system for the risk of collision. There are parking sensors for reverse. In general, it seems to be commercial equipment, but everything is there for convenience.
The gearbox is a 12-speed robot with one clutch, controlled by a switch on the steering column. I don’t like the way it works: it “thinks” for a long time when shifting, and literally an hour and a half ago I noticed that at slow speeds it can change gears roughly. It would be better if there were simple “mechanics” here, it would be easier.
In principle, it’s comfortable to drive, everything is accessible, the seating position is comfortable. But I'm not happy with the box. I'm used to driving a manual car. It’s good that you don’t have to pull the slide when you’re stuck in a traffic jam—that’s the only plus.
But the seat is comfortable, there are many adjustments to suit any driver. The steering wheel is also adjustable. Solid electric drives, which is convenient; the steering wheel is only mechanically adjustable. Noise insulation and suspension - no complaints. It goes smoothly, but you can feel the asphalt transitions well, the suspension doesn’t like hard joints, and everything is so soft. The electronic limiter is activated at a speed of 86 kilometers per hour. It pulls uphill, not to say confidently - 440 horsepower is not enough, you need at least 480. But it’s comfortable and new - you don’t get tired, nothing breaks.
We have purchased only one trailer so far to try what it is all about - a Turkish semi-trailer. We saw it at the BAMAP exhibition and liked the look, so we decided to try something new. As a result, we are thinking of purchasing more trailers like this. We've been driving with it for six months now - nothing has broken. The tires are good - all-season Bridgestone. It holds the load well, you can safely load it.
The semi-trailer has adjustable air suspension - this is a big plus. There are sensors that automatically lift the front axle when the load is less than 10 tons. This is more economical in terms of fuel and tires when one of the three axles is turned off. I will also note the high-quality assembly and materials, convenient tool boxes and a kitchen drawer with lighting where you can place a burner. A semi-trailer is cheaper than a tractor; in the event of a fire, the damage will be less if you keep the tractor. In our conditions, all equipment rusts. And as representatives of Zeynela, who sell Koluman equipment, said, the semi-trailer frame has eight degrees of processing with galvanization, cataphoresis and two layers of paint - this is an advantage; the trailer will not rust in our conditions.
There is an EDSCHA sliding roof with a lifting mechanism and reinforced doors. Older competitor trailers have doors that hang loose in the back, but this one has a rigid structure, generally stiffer than trailers I've worked with. I would like to note the high quality of manufacturing of the semi-trailer using modern technologies and European equipment (SAF, BPW, JOST, EDSHA, WABCO, HELLA, etc.). In general, the trailer is quite modern, in no way inferior to the “German”, and perhaps even better.”
Auto business
The partner of the material is the official distributor of Koluman in the Republic of Belarus, Zeynela Motor Vehicles.
Renault Trucks has updated its T series trucks
Renault Trucks has launched the 2019 Model T with a Euro 6 Stage D compliant engine.
The new Renault Trucks T and T High models are equipped with DTI 11 and DTI 13 engines that meet Euro 6 Stage D emissions standards, which will come into force on 1 September 2022.
Comtrans / News
Renault Trucks is engaged in the restoration of spare parts
The power units are complemented by a next-generation particulate filter made using new components.
The engine is also equipped with an Adblue reagent quality sensor, and the engineers decided to abandon the seventh injector.
The 2022 Renault Trucks T Series is equipped with the new generation Optivision system, which is a predictive speed controller that optimizes gear changes based on the topography of the route.
In addition, the data is now stored directly in the vehicle's control unit, which improves driver comfort, since communication is no longer interrupted even in areas where there is no GPS signal reception (for example, in tunnels). Route information is now more accurate, making travel planning more efficient.
An equally important feature is that the Eco adaptive cruise control has received additional settings to save fuel.
It is this combination of improvements and new equipment that allows for a 3% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous generation model.
The 2022 T-Series truck cabs also receive a number of enhancements.
For example, decorative elements made of carbon fiber were used to decorate the instrument panel. The same material can be seen in the door trim. It is worth noting the black leather seat upholstery and the new headliner in a more harmonious gray color.
Buyers can choose from two options for the radiator lining and exterior mirror housings: a glossy black finish or an anodized orange finish. On the vehicle identification plate, the names of the vehicle model and version of the power unit, as well as data on engine size and power, are easily readable. The next line is reserved for the name of the individual vehicle equipment.
The 2022 Renault Trucks T and T High models are already available to order, although only in the European market.
Renault launched new versions of long-haul and distribution trucks
The new long-haul trucks Renault T and T High have become more economical in fuel consumption and improved driver comfort.
Inside, the 2022 Renault Trucks T cabin features new upper trim including full textile seats, dual driver armrests, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a standard 3-way adjustable steering column. The T-Series cabins feature a carbon-coloured instrument panel, aluminum handles, metal sills and new high-capacity 221-litre storage compartments.
On the outside, the grille and side mirrors continue to be available in high-gloss black or orange and are available as an option on the Renault Trucks 2022 T and T High.
Also as an option, the T and T High can be equipped with the Roadpad+ system, which acts as a multimedia on-board assistant. Roadpad+ allows drivers to listen to music, use their phones hands-free, maneuver safely thanks to its rear and side cameras, and use a truck-specific satellite navigation system.
The Renault Trucks long-haul range is equipped with DTI 11 and DTI 13 Euro 6 engines compatible with XTL synthetic fuel and biodiesel, which reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 3% compared to the previous generation. If desired, an additional 3 percent fuel savings can be achieved by activating the new vehicle settings. Also, the 2022 Renault Trucks T and T High versions include a new high-performance axle and lighter disc brakes, which further reduces fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, when it comes to Renault Trucks' distribution trucks, the 2022 D and D Wide versions offer 100 percent connectivity, a new ergonomic and user-friendly interior design, safety features and aerodynamic equipment.
The interior design of the 2022 D and D Wide models features a redesigned black-and-white instrument panel, a new steering wheel, a tablet holder, an optional holder for a second smartphone, and two USB-C ports. The vehicles also come with new radio equipment compatible with the DAB+ digital terrestrial radio network.
Enhance comfort levels with the optional Renault Trucks Comfort Pack, which includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a driver's seat with side bolsters, additional storage compartments, an additional smartphone holder and a sunroof (D Wide only).
For greater safety, smoother driving and reduced driver fatigue, Renault Trucks D and D Wide are equipped as standard with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front and automatically adjusts acceleration and braking.
Renault Trucks also offers to add a layer of safety with its optional Protection Package, which includes LED rear lights, hill start assist, door vision and audible reversing alarm.
The new Renault D and D Wide 2022 will be available with economical Euro 6 diesel engines compatible with XTL synthetic fuel and biodiesel, as well as natural gas versions D Wide CNG and 100% electric D Wide ZE
To further improve the efficiency and productivity of the new Renault D-Series trucks, they feature TGW 4G connectivity as standard, compatible with Optifleet, Renault Trucks' fleet management solution. With Optifleet, fleets can monitor their vehicles' fuel consumption in real time using Optifleet Check and locate their vehicles using the Optifleet Map.
This June, the Russian division of Renault Trucks introduced another new product to the domestic market - the C series tractor unit.
At the kind invitation of the company, the Civil Engineering correspondent took part in the tests of this new model of equipment. Read about how the truck performed in real work conditions in our review material.
"Extreme" specification
One of the specifications of the C series tractor unit is the Xtrem version, designed for the most severe operating conditions. Renault Trucks helped us evaluate its merits when working in a sand quarry, under maximum loads. Let's explore this set.
The Xtrem suspension features four additional reinforcement mounting brackets, a modified rear bogie mount, and larger diameter heavy-duty V-tie rods .
One of the specifications of the C series tractor unit is the Xtrem version, designed for the most severe operating conditions (photo: GiD / Tatyana Eliseeva)
Economical 13-liter DXi diesel engine with 480 or 520 hp. With. can withstand exhausting loads.
The automated 12-speed Optidriver Xtrem transmission features creeper gears, a heavy-duty clutch and heavy-duty damping system. It is assembled from specially processed gears and is complemented by a load sensor that works in conjunction with special firmware of the gearbox.
The “creeping” gear allows you to travel for a long time at a speed of less than 2 km/h at an engine speed of 1000 rpm due to the gear ratio of 32:1.
Patency
Ground clearance has been increased by 80 mm due to a reduction in the size of the gearbox in the axles and the use of wheel gearboxes.
Already in the fall of 2022, tractors will be supplied in different configurations of drive axles and hydraulic drives. Some of them are very rare for Russia:
- Single axle: 4x2, 6x2
- Two axles: 4x4, 4x4H, 6x4, 6x4H, 8x4
- Three axles: 6x6, 6x6H, 8x6
- Four axles: 8x8
Cabin and comfort
We usually start such reviews with a description of the cabin and comfort, but this time we immediately pay attention to the technical features.
Specific amenities can be described in familiar words: spacious cabin, comfortable seats, low tunnel, easy access, easy access to controls...
The cabin of the “extreme” tractor can be called comfortable for the driver (photo: GiD / Tatyana Eliseeva)
Thus, the driver's door opens to a large angle and is fixed in three positions. The climate control units of the air conditioner will cope with the extreme heat in the summer, cool some drawers and turn off if additional power is needed. The functions of heated seats and heated windshield speak for themselves in Russian conditions.
The tractor cabin also has wide-angle rear-view and side-view mirrors, with electric drive, numerous curtains, drawers and cavities. There are also various lighting modes, step lighting, comfort conditions in the sleeping area, four viewing cameras and many other little things that generate exploratory interest among the driver.
The driver's eye is pleased with numerous curtains, drawers and cavities. There are also various lighting modes available (photo: GiD / Tatyana Eliseeva)
Controllability
Talking about handling is no longer about the sensations, reactions and responsiveness of the car, but a whole “computer game” - using the keys to select the desired driving mode.
In Off Road mode, gears change at higher engine speeds. When the car descends, gears do not change without the driver's participation - no matter how the foot jumps on the bumps. The operating algorithm of the entire braking system (ABS + ESP + ASR) is also changing, and the sensitivity of the brake pedal is reduced.
In the “manual accelerator” mode, the engine at speeds of up to 30 km/h travels at a fixed engine speed (not speed, but revolutions), which can be raised or lowered with buttons.
The choice of optional “assistants” on the control panel is traditionally large (photo: GiD / Tatyana Eliseeva)
The choice of optional “assistants” is also traditionally large. We were very pleased with the indication that a pedestrian or cyclist is in the “dead zone”, which is available in the database and located to the right of the driver, as well as warning sound and light signals about the truck turning to the right.
It remains to add that very soon the Guide will also present a review material dedicated to the flagship version of the tractor from the limited edition Renault Trucks T-High Tourmaline.
Text: Tatyana Eliseeva
